Abstract

LEUCAS CEPHALOTES (ROTH) SPRENG: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ITS PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND EXPERIMENTALLY REPORTED PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES

Vishal Shivaji Kindre*, S.K. Budhavale, S.R. Borate, V.S. Adak, Dr. R.V. Shete, Shalaka Kunjir

ABSTRACT

Often referred to as Dronapushpi, Leucas cephalotes (Roth) Spreng. (syn. Phlomis cephalotes) is a significant medicinal herb that is extensively spread in India and numerous Asian and African locations. The plant is used to treat asthma, fever, malaria, skin conditions, gastrointestinal problems, inflammation, and liver illnesses. It has long been prized in Ayurvedic, folk, and homeopathic medical systems. Because of its stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, anthelmintic, and antibacterial qualities, many plant parts—such as leaves, flowers, roots, and seeds—are used in ethnomedicine. This research highlights the long-standing therapeutic value of L. cephalotes in indigenous healthcare practices by compiling comprehensive information on its taxonomy, vernacular names, geographical distribution, morphology, traditional applications, and Ayurvedic qualities. Leucas cephalotes contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its wide range of pharmacological activities, including diterpenes (leucasdins), triterpenes (leucastrins, oleanolic acid), sterols (β-sitosterol, stigmasterol), flavonoids, and fatty acids, according to phytochemical investigations. Through in vitro and in vivo models, experimental research has shown hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antidiabetic, anti-filarial, antibacterial, and anti-dengue effects. Notably, by preventing viral replication, oleanolic acid has demonstrated encouraging antiviral effectiveness against the dengue virus. All things considered, the scientific data that is now accessible validates the conventional assertions made about L. cephalotes and highlights its potential as a useful source of bioactive compounds for next pharmacological studies and medication development.

Keywords: Leucas cephalotes, Dronapushpi, Lamiaceae, ethnomedicine, phytochemistry, flavonoids, oleanolic acid, pharmacological activities, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-dengue.